More than €5 million is to be paid out to improve services and facilities for the disabled around the country.
As part of the Enhancing Disabilities Services project, the Government will give 21 organisations cash hand-outs to cover the cost of one-off projects.
The grants are paid to schemes which demonstrate an innovative, cost effective approach to providing services for the disabled.
Minister for State at Department of Justice Frank Fahey said that on top of the €5 million grant his department would be making €15 million available to support EDS projects over the next five years.
"I am very pleased to be associated with this new Government programme and I'm confident that the successful projects will make a significant and positive difference to the lives of people with disabilities," Mr Fahey said.
The projects aim to improve services for people with disabilities by promoting innovative links between existing infrastructure and new needs.
They will improve co-ordination between disability organisations and enhance existing structures and develop operational capacity.
Mr Fahey added that the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform will make a total of €15 million available to support EDS projects over a five year period.